Bill to Eliminate Road Funding for Small Communities Opposed by Michigan Municipal League Members

The House Transportation Committee took up HB 5304 for testimony only on March 14. This bill among other things would amend Public Act 51 to provide that local road agencies that receive less than $50,000 in 2012 would have their funds shifted to their respective counties starting in 2015. Michigan Municipal League staff, joined by Ralph Ochs of Wolverine Village, Bill Carson of Boyne Falls, Meg Mullendore-Cluckey of Cassopolis, Randy Zenk of Pewamo, Michelle Harrington and Tina Eastman of Applegate, Mary Howard of Hopkins and Dennis Ritter of Clarkston testified in opposition. MORE>

State
Affairs Update

One Day Liquor Licenses No Longer Available for Local Governments - Up until this year, local units of government were able to get one-day liquor licenses. This year, though, the Attorney General’s office changed their interpretation of who qualifies for one-day liquor licenses. The Assistant Attorneys General who are counseling the Michigan Liquor Control Commission are now saying that the statute and rule only allow these licenses to be issued to a bona fide nonprofit organization, duly organized and in continuous existence for one year before the filing of its application (MCL 436.1525(1)(r)). MORE>

Transportation Bill Passes U.S. Senate; Call House Members to do Same! - By a bi-partisan vote of 74-22, the U.S. Senate has passed S. 1813, legislation that would support $109 billion of transportation programs over a two year period. The bill now goes to the House, where a March 31 deadline looms on the latest extension of an act that expired nearly two years ago. While not perfect, the Senate bill was amended along the way to strengthen local control, put in place a program similar to the current Transportation Enhancements program, reinstate funding for off-system bridges and protect MPO's from state control. MORE>

Community Revitalization Workshops Offered - The Community Assistance Team at the MEDC (CATeam) is hosting a series of workshop roundtables across the state in March to promote community revitalization through grants and loans. Projects located in a downtown and that include brownfield or historic properties are eligible for consideration. MORE>